Few painters have so uncompromisingly placed man at the center of their work as Ferdinand Hodler. Although also landscape depictions were part of his repertoire. But much of his extensive work belongs to the ever-changing variation and contemplation of the human figure - individually, sometimes in groups, partly clothed, but often also naked. Some representations reflect dynamism and power, such as the famous depiction of a lumberjack or Hodler's paintings by the dancer Giulia Leonardi. Many of his paintings, especially the later creative phases, radiate a great rest. Occasionally, the subjects grouped to hints of mysterious rituals, often the painter but also represents individuals.

"The Source" is not one of Ferdinand Hodler's most famous paintings, but perhaps one of his most beautiful and touching. It depicts a naked young woman in an idealized landscape typical of the painter: a flat, abstracted representation of the background that does not emphasize naturalistic perspective. Rather, the artist interprets the environment as a kind of atmospheric set design for the actual main character. It is one of Hodler's unmistakable, calm, static portrayals captured for eternity. Only the trickle at the feet of the figure indicates a gentle movement. The unclothed woman hides her chest with both arms in a seemingly shy way, but her self-confident state shows that she feels neither embarrassment nor fear. The open look looks at the viewer seriously and more thoughtfully. With such tenderness, the painter immortalized the vibrations between him and the model on the canvas, instinctively asking the viewer what the relationship was between the two. And a bit of that intimacy is transferred to us too, which we face many years later and still feel that the young woman's gaze is resting on ourselves.

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The Source by Ferdinand Hodler. Available as an art print on canvas, photo paper, watercolor board, uncoated paper or Japanese paper.
naked · green · beauty · woman · rocks · green · relaxed · nature · embarrassed · posed